mkirsch:I have run bushing engines when that was about all you could get. You run a bushing engine with ample oil you won`t wear it out. One thing ,most beginners don`t run the fuel out last flight or use after run oil. I have seen page after page of information on how to replace bearings, how many can actually do it? I have seen a lot of slobbering ball bearing engines also. The only advantage I can see in the newer BB engines is most have a two needle carb. Let beginners start cheap. You can buy a cheap BB engine, but not a quality engine. Besides have you priced OEM bearings for the better brand engines ? I may be old fashioned, but I like to keep things simple. big max 1935